Engine Driven Trash Pump Recommendation

[rbattelle]

For the second time this year my basement was nearly flooded out during a big thunderstorm. I've taken all I can takes, and I can't takes no more!



It's time for drastic action, which means a lot of backbreaking labor outside. But I also want to pick up an engine-driven full trash pump. Northern has these two:



Northstar Brand 21000 GPH

Pacer brand 22500 GPH



These are very expensive, and I want to get the best value.



Does anyone have any recommendations on good high-flowing trash pumps? Or any tips on what to look for?



Ryan

 

[rbattelle]

I notice the Wacker PT3A has a very nice flow rate, and is much cheaper (~$1700) than a Honda WT40-series (~2500).

Ryan

 

[kenny61]

My friend has been on a pump buying binge for some reason lately. He has gotten at least 3 or 4 off of ebay in the last year with good results on each one. If you can find one with a dead engine you can have a good pump with a brand new motor for half the price.



Something like this



Homelite 3" Water Pump - eBay (item 120352100135 end time Dec-28-08 11:48:54 PST)

 

[rbattelle]

My friend has been on a pump buying binge for some reason lately. He has gotten at least 3 or 4 off of ebay in the last year with good results on each one. If you can find one with a dead engine you can have a good pump with a brand new motor for half the price.

Ordinarily I'd agree with you, but in this case I want something brand new that can be relied upon from day 1 without the need to do all sorts of work on it.



Ryan

 

[rscurtis]

The main question that I have is do you really need a 3" pump, or would a 2" suffice. Hoses are smaller and much less expensive, and a 2" hose can be fitted with different strainers which will allow you to pump to a much lower depth. Another option you may consider for very occasional use is a small Diesel powered pump, as it can be left sitting for an extended time without fear of fuel detereriaton that you would experience with a gas powered pump.

I just so happen to have one of these for sale if you're interested. The pump in made by Tsurumi, (a very old Japanese manufacturer), and the engine is a

Robin (Subaru) DY 27 Diesel. It doesn't have 20 hours use on it, and looks virtually brand new. I haven't updated by profile yet, but am now located in St. Thomas PA, (near Chambersburg).

Whatever you decide to do, I would stay with a name brand such as Honda, Multiquip, or Wacker, or of course, Tsurumi. Homelite is a mere shadow of its former self, no thanks in part to our friend Bob Nardelli and Home Depot.

Another option is a submersible electric pump, which will always be ready, provided you always have power available. Most 2 or 3 inch submersibles, regardless of who sells them, are probably made by Tsurumi. Also, when it comes to suction hoses, buy the best you can and use only cam lock fittings, as the best pump in the world is useless if you have an air leak.

 

[rbattelle]

The main question that I have is do you really need a 3" pump, or would a 2" suffice.

I want the 3" for 2 reasons.



First, I want maximum flow rate. The Wacker PT-3A flows ~25500 GPH at 0' head. 99. 9% of the time I'll be pumping <5' head.



Second, I want to be able to handle large solids. The PT-3A can handle up to 1. 5" solids.



I'm glad you brought up Tsurumi. I've seen their name in my research, but wasn't sure they were any good. What's the model number of the one you're selling?



Ryan

 

[rscurtis]

The model is a TE250RD. It is rated at 8500 GPH. it is not a trash pump-just a straight centrifugal. It is light enough that one person can carry it.

 

[steved]

25500 GPH and 1. 5" solids in your basement??? I'd hate to see your basement... !

Wacker is a good name... they are an old company and I have used them quite a bit in the drilling industry.

We had a 2" honda at one point as well, it was pretty durable.

 

[rbattelle]

25500 GPH and 1. 5" solids in your basement???

Well, not really. I plan to try to stop the flooding outside. That's why I need solids handling - there are leaves/sticks/twigs that will be in the sump and I can't afford to have the pump clog.



Ryan

 

[HOBrian]

Just thinking out loud. Ryan where does all your rain water go from the roof?? The reason I ask is because the people on either side of my house get water and I never do. (okay twice in 15yrs) I have my fron two downspouts going into 3" pipe and thety go 60' to the street and the three back ones go 80' to the stream. Just a thought for those looking to get rid of water.

 

[rbattelle]

Just thinking out loud. Ryan where does all your rain water go from the roof??

The back main roof, which comprises around 60% of the rainwater, is piped off-site via a 4"-diameter buried PVC pipe. I dug that and installed it last year. What a job.



The roofs at the front of the house drain off to various areas on the front property.



There is no roof or drainage system above my walk-out patio, so the only rainwater it sees is what falls directly on it.



Ryan

 

[HOBrian]

Ryan, since it is raining here and I was thinking about your problem a little I have yet another question. How close are you to your neighbors and what system(s) to they have for getting rid of water? Not that you would copy their system but rather are you collecting their water.

 

[rbattelle]

Ryan, since it is raining here and I was thinking about your problem a little I have yet another question. How close are you to your neighbors and what system(s) to they have for getting rid of water? Not that you would copy their system but rather are you collecting their water.

My closest neighbor is only about 10 yards, and the guy past him is another 20 yards farther. Neither of them has any water management systems (other than a sump in the basement). Basically their land slopes toward mine, so they have no issues - only I do (story of my life).



The problem stems from the moron 2 doors down (30 yards away) through whose yard runs the storm drain for the entire street. His moron kid plugged the pipe, which caused it to overflow into his yard and flow directly into my basement.



I've unplugged the pipe, but I now have to build enough capacity to drain the entire street from my back patio. It's going to be a huge project, with a lot of heavy work. The trash pump is merely for backup.



Ryan